Unabridged Birth Certificates – All You Need to Know

In accordance with the new South African Immigration regulations published on the 1^st June 2015 and amended on the 23 October 2015, all minor children under the age of 18 are required to present to immigration officers an unabridged birth certificate in addition to the standard travel documentation such as valid passports amongst others upon entry or exit of any South African border.

Minor children from not from South Africa are required to present an original birth certificate from their country of birth in addition to the standard travel documentation.

Minors not accompanied by their parents or legal guardians are required to present various additional documentation as follows:

Where a child is travelling with only one parent:

Valid passport is required in addition to

• An unabridged birth certificate.
• An affidavit no less than 3 month old expressing consent from the absent parent or a court order granting full parental responsibilities to the legal guardian/parent accompanying the minor. Where an absent parent is deceased, then a death certificate will be required to be presented.

Minors travelling with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian

A valid passport is required in addition to

• Unabridged birth certificate.
• Affidavits from the minor’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) allowing permission for the minor to accompany the
• Full contact details of parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
• Copies of the ID documents or passports belonging to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Where minors are travelling unaccompanied

Valid passport is required in addition to

• An unabridged birth certificate.
• Consent from one or both of the minor’s parents or legal guardians in the form of a written letter or affidavit. If proof of consent is only obtained from one parent, then a court order granting full parental responsibility to the consenting parent will also be need to be produced. Where a parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate is required.
• Full contact details of the minor’s parent(s )or legal guardian(s).
• The particulars of the individual to receive the minor in South Africa (contact details and residential address) is also required as is a copy of this person’s identity document, valid passport, visa, or permanent residence permit.
• If you don’t have the time or inclination to stand in a queue at home affairs to apply for your Unabridged Birth Certificate, feel free to contact us by completing the form below after which a knowledgeable and experienced Q-Proconsultant will contact you to discuss your requirements.